Phased array radio frequency network for mobile communication

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for routing wireless mobile communication signals using a phased array communication network. In one example, a system includes a plurality of phased array antennas configured to receive an RF modulated data packet. The RF modulated data packet includes a header and payload data. A demodulator circuit is provided to demodulate the header to identify route information while maintaining the payload data in RF modulated format. The phased array antennas are configured to transmit a high bandwidth narrow antenna beam comprising the RF modulated data packet in accordance with the route information. Maintaining the payload data in RF modulated format during the route provides for high bandwidth and high data rate transmission required of today&#39;s wireless mobile communication networks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/212,136 filed Jul. 15, 2016 which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to mobile communicationsnetworks and, more particularly, for example, to using high bandwidthradio frequency phased array antennas for mobile communicationsnetworks.

BACKGROUND

In the field of mobile communications, there is an ongoing effort toprovide for increased capacity and frequency bandwidth for wirelessmobile communications networks. Advancements in mobile wirelesstechnology and the explosive growth in the number of wireless mobiledevices and users are creating a demand on existing wirelesscommunication networks.

Thus, there is a need to support the growing demand of both mobile voiceand data communications. This is particularly acute in urban areas wherethere is a concentration of wireless mobile devices, causing crowdingand overlaps of existing wireless frequency spectrum. Unfortunately,current wireless mobile communications networks lack the coverage,capacity, and bandwidth necessary to support wireless communicationnetwork needs.

Some conventional wireless communication techniques rely on fixedcellular antenna locations using omnidirectional antennas.Omnidirectional antennas typically radiate RF power in all azimuthdirections. However, omnidirectional antennas lack coverage in areasdirectly above and below the antenna. Furthermore, signal interferenceand signal overlap becomes an issue when a large number of fixedcellular omnidirectional antennas are deployed in densely populatedareas.

Directional antennas provide for line-of-sight coverage. The typicaldirectional antenna cell is divided into 3 sectors of 120 degrees.Directional antennas provide for expanded coverage. However, existingdirectional antennas are limited in bandwidth and data rate to support alarge number of subscribers and wireless devices technology.Furthermore, many cell sites are needed in large densely populated areasto provide sufficient capacity. Unfortunately, locations for large celltowers are limited in metropolitan areas.

Future demands on wireless network capacity and bandwidth are expectedto increase as wireless technologies advance and subscriber numberscontinue to grow. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved wirelessmobile communication network implementation that provides high bandwidthand data rate for mobile voice and data communications.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein in accordance with one or moreembodiments that provide an improved approach to wireless mobilecommunications using a radio frequency (RF) phased array communicationnetwork to provide for high bandwidth and high data rate mobile voiceand data communications. In some embodiments, an RF phased arraycommunication network is implemented as a plurality of access nodes.Each access node includes a plurality of RF phased array antennas toprovide RF communication between wireless mobile devices.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a first phased arrayantenna beam at an access node of a phased array communication network,a radio frequency RF modulated data packet comprising a header andpayload data; demodulating the header while maintaining the payload datain RF modulated format; identifying route information within thedemodulated header; and transmitting, by a second phased array antennabeam from the access node in accordance with the route information, theRF modulated data packet.

In another embodiment, a system includes a first antenna configured toreceive a first phased array antenna beam comprising a radio frequencyRF modulated data packet, wherein the RF modulated data packet comprisesa header and payload data; a demodulator circuit configured todemodulate the header of the RF modulated data packet, while maintainingthe payload data in RF modulated format, to identify route information;and a second antenna configured to transmit a second phased arrayantenna beam comprising the RF modulated data packet in accordance withthe route information.

In another embodiment, a method includes generating, by a source device,a data packet comprising a header and payload data, wherein the headeridentifies the source device and a destination device, wherein thepayload data comprises data to be transmitted from the source device tothe destination device over a phased array communication network;modulating, by the source device, the data packet to provide a radiofrequency RF modulated data packet; and transmitting, by the sourcedevice, a phased array antenna beam comprising the RF modulated datapacket to an access node of the phased array communication network.

In another embodiment, a device includes a memory configured to store aplurality of executable instructions; a processor configured to executethe instructions to generate a data packet comprising a header andpayload data, wherein the header identifies the device and a destinationdevice, wherein the payload data comprises data to be transmitted fromthe device to the destination device over a phased array communicationnetwork; a modulator circuit configured to radio frequency RF modulatethe data packet; and an antenna configured to transmit a phased arrayantenna beam comprising the RF modulated data packet to an access nodeof the phased array communication network.

In another embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a control server,a request to access a phased array communication network; allocating, bythe control server, a communication channel; identifying, by the controlserver, route information associated with the communication channel; andtransmitting, by the control server to an access node of the phasedarray communication network, a response to the request, wherein theresponse identifies the communication channel and the route information.

In another embodiment, a control server includes a memory configured tostore a plurality of executable instructions; and a processor configuredto execute the instructions to: process a request to access a phasedarray communication network; allocate a communication channel; identifyroute information associated with the communication channel; andtransmit to an access node of the phased array communication network, aresponse to the request, wherein the response identifies thecommunication channel and the route information.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which areincorporated into this section by reference. A more completeunderstanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to thoseskilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantagesthereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of oneor more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets ofdrawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a phased array communication network in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user device interface to a phased arraycommunication network in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of an access node in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a user device in accordance withan embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control server in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical access node inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate various channels and data included withinantenna beams in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates a block diagram of a data packet in accordance withan embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a block diagram of a control channel in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8C illustrates a block diagram of a broadcast channel in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a route path through a plurality ofaccess nodes in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example of a route path through a single accessnode in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9C illustrates several plots of attenuation versus frequency forvarious types of atmospheric effects in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process of using a phased array communicationnetwork in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process of a user device interfacing with a phasedarray communication network in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process of a control server interfacing with aphased array communication network in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process of a predetermined RF modulated datapacket route path through a phased array communication network inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a process of a dynamic RF modulated data packetroute through a phased array communication network in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a phased arraycommunication network that provides high bandwidth and high data ratefor wireless mobile communications. The phased array communicationnetwork provides for a large number of access nodes distributedthroughout the network. Access nodes include many small phased arrayantennas with the capability to transmit or receive a multitude of radiofrequency (RF) signals for voice and data communication between wirelessmobile devices. RF modulated data packets comprising data and/or voicecommunications are routed through one or more access nodes from a sourcedevice to a destination device based on a route path.

In various embodiments, a phased array antenna of an access nodereceives an RF modulated data packet comprising a header and payloaddata. The header is decoupled from the payload data and demodulated toidentify a destination device and route information. In this regard,only the header is demodulated, while the payload data remains modulatedat the RF carrier frequency. The RF modulated data packet is routed atthe RF carrier frequency to other identified access nodes anddemodulated at the destination device. Thus, high data rates and widebandwidth may be realized by maintaining the payload data at the RFmodulated frequency during the route. Furthermore, by maintaining highdata rates, routing congestion is reduced.

In some embodiments, a route path is predefined from a source device,through one or more access nodes, to a destination device. In thisregard, the header is demodulated to identify the access node associatedwith the route path and the RF modulated data packet is routed at the RFcarrier frequency through the identified access nodes.

In some embodiments, a header is demodulated at the access node toidentify the destination device and a shortest route path is determinedfrom a plurality of access nodes based on the destination devicelocation. Significantly, the RF modulated data is routed at the RFcarrier frequency throughout the route path.

In some embodiments, a route path is congested resulting in atransmission delay. Transmission delay information is provided by acontrol server to each access node within the phased array antennacommunications network. An access node may identify at least onedifferent access node to reduce the transmission delay and reconfigureroute information to add the different access node. The header isupdated with the reconfigured route information and remodulated to RFfrequency. Furthermore, the RF modulated data packet is routed to thedestination device in accordance with the reconfigured route informationthereby reducing route congestion.

In some embodiments, an RF modulated data packet is electronicallysteered from a source device to a destination device through the phasedarray communication network. In this regard, a phased array antenna beamincluding the RF modulated data packet generated at an access node iselectronically beamsteered toward another access node identified in theroute information and/or the destination device identified in the datapacket header. The antenna beam is formed within one or more of thephased array antennas to provide a high bandwidth narrow RF beam. Highbandwidth narrow RF beams provide directivity of the

RF data packet toward the receiving access node and/or destinationdevice. Furthermore, highly directive narrow beams reduce cochannelinterference and allow reuse of beam frequency in non-adjacent accessnodes to increase the communication network capacity.

The phased array antenna small size allows for a plurality of phasedarray antennas to be incorporated into each access node to provide manyvoice and data communications simultaneously. As a result, an increasedcapacity in large urban areas is realized. Furthermore, many accessnodes can be deployed throughout a densely populated area mounted onexisting infrastructures such as light poles, traffic signals andbuildings, for example.

In various embodiments, the mobile communications techniques describedherein may be advantageously used to provide for high bandwidth and datarate communications between wireless mobile devices in densely populatedareas. For example, maintaining payload data at the RF modulatedfrequency along a route path through the communication network providesfor high data rates and wide bandwidth necessary to support wirelesscommunication network needs. Capability to reconfigure a route based ona transmission delay maintains capacity of the communication network.Furthermore, electronically beamsteering high bandwidth narrow RF beamsallows reuse of beam frequencies in non-adjacent access nodes toincrease the wireless communication network capacity. Additionally,existing infrastructure may easily accommodate access nodes whichinclude a large number of small phased array antennas to transmit andreceive a multitude of RF frequency modulated voice and datatransmissions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a phased array communication network 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. A phased arraycommunication network 100 is adapted to provide high bandwidth and datarate voice and data communications among users 142A-D of wireless mobiledevices 140A-D (e.g., user devices). Phased array communication network100 consists of a plurality of access nodes 130A-H. Access nodes 130A-Hare distributed throughout communications network 100 to provide highbandwidth narrow radio frequency (RF) antenna beams 134A-M for voice anddata transmission from source device 140 to destination device 140.Furthermore, access nodes 130A-H provide high bandwidth narrow radiofrequency (RF) antenna beams 136A-M for voice and data transmission fromdestination device 140 to source device 140.

In various embodiments, access nodes 130A-H receive and transmit RFmodulated antenna beams 134A-M and 136A-M via a plurality of RF phasedarray antennas 132, for example, phased array antennas 132A-D of accessnode 130B. It will be appreciated each access node 130A-H of phasedarray communication network 100 may provide more or fewer phased arrayantennas 132 and the number of RF phased array antennas 132 shown inFIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only. In this regard, each accessnode 130A-H provides a plurality of RF phased array antennas 132 forreceiving RF antenna beams 134A-M and 136A-M. Each access node 130provides a plurality of RF phased array antennas 132 for transmitting RFantenna beams 134A-M and 136A-M. In this regard, phased arraycommunication network 100 provides for a duplex antenna systemconfigured with separate receive and transmit RF phased array antennas132 to reduce signal interference between phased array antenna RFsignals.

Source device 140A may establish a communication with destination device140B through phased array communication network 100 access nodes 130A-C.In this regard, a route path of RF antenna beams 134A-D provided byphased array antennas 132 of access nodes 130A-D provide a communicationlink between source device 140A and destination device 140B.

In various embodiments, the route path between source device 140A anddestination device 140B may be congested with a number of source anddestination devices 140 communications resulting in a transmissiondelay. In this regard, the route path between source device 140A anddestination device 140B may be reconfigured to reduce the transmissiondelay. An alternate route path may be chosen from access node 130B toaccess node 130H where antenna beam 134E from access node 130B is routedto access node 130H. Antenna beam 134F from access node 130H is routedto access node 130C. The route path continues to access node 130C and todestination device 140B to complete the route. In this regard, phasedarray communication network 100 provides for efficient RF signal routingto maintain communication network capacity.

In some embodiments, a route path through phased array antennacommunications network 100 may be initiated at source device 140A androuted to a control server 150 (e.g., via antenna beams 134A and134G-I). For example, source device 140A may request access to phasedarray communication network 100 via a control channel (e.g., such ascontrol channel 253 as shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, access nodes130A and 130D-F route the request for access to control server 150.Access node 130F may provide a connection to control server 150 tocomplete the route. In the same manner, control server 150 may provide aresponse to the request to access via control channel 235 through accessnodes 130F-D and 130A (e.g., via antenna beams 136I-G and 136A).

In some embodiments, access nodes 130 provide transmission through asatellite link. In this regard, source device 140A may communicate withdestination device 140B through satellite 110. In some embodiments,satellite 110 is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. A communicationinitiated by source device 140A may be transmitted through access node130A to access node 130G. Access node 130G may transmit thecommunication via antenna beam 134K to a satellite gateway 120A.Satellite gateway 120A may transmit the communication to satellite 110via an uplink antenna beam 115A. Satellite 110 may process thecommunication and route the communication to satellite gateway 120B viaa downlink antenna beam 115B. Satellite gateway 120B may transmit thecommunication to access node 130H via antenna beam 134M. Thecommunication is routed from access node 130H to access node 130C and todestination device 140B to complete the route.

In some embodiments, access node 130 may provide high RF power fordirect communication with satellite 110. For example, access nodes 130Gand 130H may be configured as high RF power access nodes 130 capable oftransmitting and receiving antenna beams 134/136 to communicate directlywith satellite 110. In this regard, access node 130G may transmit uplinkantenna beam 115A directly to satellite 110. Satellite 110 may processthe communication and route satellite downlink antenna beam 115Bdirectly to access node 130H. Furthermore, the communication is routedfrom access node 130H to access node 130C and to destination device 140Bto complete the route.

In some embodiments, a single access node 130 may provide a routebetween source device 140 and destination device 140. For example, bothsource device 140C and destination device 140D may be within RF signalproximity of access node 130A. Access node 130A may provide transmit andreceive phased array antennas 132 to enable a communication link betweensource device 140C and destination device 140D. While both source device140C and destination device 140D remain within RF signal proximity,access node 130A provides a communication link.

Control server 150 may be in communication with a central office 160 toprovide an interface between phased array communication network 100 andan external network 180. Central office 160 may be coupled to gateway170 to provide a communication link to network 180. Network 180 may beone of many available networks providing mobile wireless communicationservices to subscribers. In this regard, phased array communicationnetwork 100 may provide to source devices 140 a communication link tosubscribers of network 180.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user device 140 interface to a phased arraycommunication network 100 in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, source device 140A anddestination device 140B interface with phased array communicationnetwork 100 access node 130A and 130C, respectively for bi-directionalreal time communication. Similarly, control server 150 interfaces withphased array communication network 100 via broadcast channel 237 and aplurality of control channels 235 (e.g., control channels 235A and 235B)for bi-directional real time communication.

In various embodiments, access node 130A provides communication withsource device 140A through antenna beams 134A and 136A. In this regard,antenna beam 134A is directed toward access node 130A from source device140A and antenna beam 136A is directed toward source device 140A fromaccess node 130A. Antenna beams 134A/136A include an RF modulatedcommunication channel 233A/233B and an RF modulated control channel235A. Communication channel 233A/233B provides for bi-directional RFmodulated voice and/or data transmission between devices 140A and 140B,for example. Control channel 235A is provided by control server 150. Ingeneral, control channels 235 provide for bi-directional real timecommunication between devices 140, access nodes 130 and control server150.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, access node 130A provides bi-directionalcommunication with other access nodes 130 of phased array communicationnetwork 100 through antenna beams 134B and 136B. Antenna beams 134B and136B comprise a plurality of communication channels 233 (e.g.,communication channels 233A/233B associated with devices 140A/140B andother communication channels 233 associated with other devices 140), atleast one control channel 235A associated with source device 140A, andbroadcast channel 237. Broadcast channel 237 is provided by controlserver 150 to communicate to access nodes 130 information applicable tophased array communication network 100, as discussed herein.

FIG. 2 shows access node 130C in communication with antenna beams134C/136C. Antenna beams 134C/136C comprise a plurality of communicationchannels 233 (e.g., communication channels 233A/233B associated withdevices 140A/140B and other communication channels 233 associated withother devices 140), control channel 235B associated with source device140B and broadcast channel 237. Access node 130C is in communicationwith destination device 140B via antenna beams 134D/136D. Antenna beams134D/136D include communication channel 233A/233B and control channel235B data. As discussed, communication channel 233A/233B providesbi-directional voice and/or data transmission between devices 140A and140B. Control channel 235B is provided by control server 150 to providebi-directional communication between device 140B, access node 130C andcontrol server 150.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of an access node 130B in accordance withan embodiment of the disclosure. Access node 130B forms a part of phasedarray communication network 100 of FIG. 1. Access node 130B may be usedto receive and transmit antenna beams 134/136. As shown, access node130B includes a plurality of phased array antennas 132A-D. Each phasedarray antenna 132 includes a receive phased array antenna 312 and atransmit phased array antenna 314 to provide antenna beam 134/136receive and transmit capability. Each phased array antenna 312 and 314includes a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., antenna elements 638 asshown in FIG. 6). In this regard, four receive 312 and four transmit 314antennas are provided by the embodiment of access node 130B. It shouldbe appreciated there may be fewer or more phased array antennas 132included with access node 130B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, access node 130B includes aprocessor 310, a memory 320, a GPS device 330, RF amplifiers 331A-D, RFamplifiers 332A-D, decouplers 333A-D, combiner 334A-D, a demodulatorcircuit 335, a modulator circuit 337, and a modem 340. For illustrativepurposes, one receive phased array antenna, 312A, signal path will bediscussed. It is understood the remaining receive phased array antennas,312B-D, signal paths are similar. Receive phased array antenna 312Areceives phased array antenna beam 134A including a plurality of RFmodulated data packets (e.g., such as RF modulated data 800 as shown inFIG. 8A). RF modulated data packet 800 includes an RF modulated header(e.g., such as RF modulated header 802 as shown in FIG. 8A) and RFmodulated payload data (e.g., such as RF modulated payload data 804 asshown in FIG. 8A). In some embodiments, RF modulated data packet 800 issignal processed by beam steering circuit 316A where RF modulated datapacket 800 signal amplitude and phase is adjusted to provide a maximumgain in the received antenna beam 134 and reduce interfering RF signals.Processor 310 provides steering control signal 318A (through 318H) tobeam steering circuit 316A (through 316H) for signal processing of RFmodulated data packet 800. RF modulated data packet 800 is amplified byRF amplifier 331A. Coupler 333A is used to decouple an RF modulatedheader 802 portion of RF modulated data packet 800. In some embodiments,header 802 may be modulated using binary phase shift keying, howeverother modulation techniques are possible. Demodulator circuit 335demodulates header 802 and provides the demodulated header to modem 340.Modem 340 decodes header 802 and provides decoded data to processor 310.

In some embodiments, RF modulated header 802 is not demodulated whenreceived at access node 130B. In this regard, if route information 802Kor other data within header (e.g., such as other data 802A-L as shown inFIG. 8A) has not been updated, demodulation is not required. In otherembodiments, RF modulated header 802 may be sampled by processor 310 anddemodulation is not necessary.

Processor 310 may be adapted to identify the source device 140A, thedestination device 140B, and route information (e.g., such as routeinformation 802K as shown in FIG. 8A) from demodulated header 802. Routeinformation 802K may be transferred to memory 320 via processor 310 forstorage. Processor 310 may later retrieve route information 802K frommemory 320. GPS device 330 may be adapted to communicate to processor310 to provide access node 130B geographic coordinates for use indetermining a route path, as discussed herein. In some embodiments,other components 350 may include an antenna coupled to GPS device 330 totransmit geographic coordinates of access node 130B to control server150 of phased array communication network 100. In this regard, controlserver 150 may use location information provided from each access node130 within the communications network 100 to aid in RF modulated datapacket 800 route determination.

Access node 130B is adapted to transmit RF modulated data 800. In thisregard, transmit phased array antenna 314A-D are adapted to transmit RFmodulated data 800. For illustrative purposes, one transmit phased arrayantenna, 314A, signal path will be discussed. In some embodiments,header 802 may be remodulated by modulator circuit 337 to provide an RFmodulated header 802. In other embodiments, as discussed herein, RFmodulated header has been sampled when received by access node 130B andremodulation is not required. Combiner 334A combines RF modulated header802 with payload data 804 to form RF modulated data packet 800.

In some embodiments, route information 802K is predefined (e.g., astatic route) and transmit phased array antenna 314A is selected basedon the predefined route information 802K. In other embodiments, RFmodulated data packet 800 is electronically steered to access node 130Cand/or destination device 140B. In this regard, transmit phased arrayantenna 314A may be beamsteered to access node 130C and/or destinationdevice 140B using beam steering circuit 316B. Beam steering circuit 316Bprovides signal processing of RF modulated data packet 800 to provide anarrow antenna beam 134 with maximum gain in the direction oftransmission. Processor 310 provides steering control signal 318B tobeam steering circuit 316B for signal processing of RF modulated datapacket 800.

In yet another embodiment, a route path may be generated within accessnode 130B based on destination device 140B location, where an RF arrayswitch matrix 339 switches transmit phased array antenna 314A towarddestination device 140B to provide a shortest route path to destinationdevice 140B. In some embodiments, processor 310 electronically steerstransmit phased array antenna 314A toward destination device 140B. RFamplifier 332A amplifies RF modulated data packet 800 prior totransmission to access node 130C and/or destination device 140B.

In various embodiments, control channel 235 is received by access node130B in RF modulated format, as discussed herein. Demodulator circuit335 is adapted to demodulate control channel 235 to provide data 806A-I(e.g., data 806A-I as shown in FIG. 8B) to processor 310 for processingtransmission delay and route information, for example. Control channel235 may be remodulated by modulator circuit 337 prior to transmissionfrom access node 130B via transmit phased array antenna 314A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a user device 140 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure. User device 140 generally includessource devices 140A and 140C and destination devices 140B and 140D, asdiscussed herein. In one embodiment, user device includes a processor410, a memory 420, a display 430, a user controls 440, a microphone 450,a speaker 455, a phased array antenna 460, a transmit/receive module470, a modulator/demodulator circuit 480, and a GPS device 480. Antenna460 is preferably a phased array antenna. However, antenna 460 may beanother directional, multi-element, beam steering, or beam-formingantenna.

In various embodiments, user device 140 may be implemented as a portablehandheld mobile telephone to communicate voice and/or data with otherportable handheld mobile telephones, for example.

Processor 410 may include, for example, a microprocessor, a single-coreprocessor, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, a logic device(e.g., a programmable logic device configured to perform processingoperations), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, one or morememories for storing executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware,or other instructions), and/or or any other appropriate combination ofprocessing device and/or memory to execute instructions to perform anyof the various operations described herein. Processor 410 is adapted tointerface and communicate with components 420, 430, 440, 450, 455, 460,470, and 480 to perform method and processing steps as described herein.

Memory 420 includes, in one embodiment, one or more memory devices(e.g., one or more memories) to store data and information. The one ormore memory devices may include various types of memory includingvolatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as RAM (Random AccessMemory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-OnlyMemory), flash memory, or other types of memory. In one embodiment,memory is adapted to store route information 802K received from header802 and/or route information 806F received from control channel 235.

Display 430 includes, in one embodiment, a liquid crystal display (LCD)or various other types of generally know displays. User controls 440include, in various embodiments, a keypad. User controls may beintegrated with display 430 to operate as both a user input device and adisplay, such as a touch screen as part of display 430. Display 430 mayinclude display electronics, which may be utilized by processor 410 todisplay video or other images on display 430. Processor 410 may beadapted to sense control input signals from user controls and respond toany sensed control input signals received therefrom.

Processor 410 may be adapted to interface with microphone 450 to convertacoustic waves received at microphone 450 into electrical signals fortransmission by phased array antenna 460. Similarly, RF signals receivedby phased array antenna are converted to low frequency electricalsignals by processor 410 and transmitted to speaker 455 to convert tosound waves.

Phased array antenna 460 includes a plurality of antenna elementsconfigured to transmit and receive antenna beams 134/136.Transmit/receive module (T/R module) 470 includes RF transmit andreceive modules to amplify RF signals for transmission by phased arrayantenna 460 and amplify RF signals received from phased array antenna460.

In some embodiments, a modulator portion of modulator/demodulatorcircuit 480 is adapted to RF modulate data packets 800 including header802 and payload data 804, and control channel 235 prior to transmissionby phased array antenna 460. Time division multiple access (TDMA),frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and/or code division multipleaccess (CDMA) modulation may be used to modulate payload data 804portion of data packet 800 and control channel 235. In some embodiments,data packet 800 may be modulated using time division duplexing. However,other forms of duplexing such as frequency division duplexing arepossible. In some embodiments, binary phase-shift keying (BPSK)modulation is used to modulate header 802. Demodulator portion ofmodulator/demodulator circuit 480 is adapted to demodulate received RFmodulate data packets 800 including header 802 and payload data 804, andRF modulated control channels 235.

In some embodiments, GPS device 490 provides a location of user device140. Other components 495 may include a GPS antenna 495 to transmitlocation signals of user device 140 to GPS antenna 340 of access node130. In some embodiments, other components 495 may include an antenna495 configured to receive antenna beams 134/136. In this regard, antenna495 may be any stump or flex antenna capable of receiving RF antennabeams 134/136.

Processor 410 may be adapted to communicate with phased array antenna460 (e.g., by receiving control channel information from phased arrayantenna 460) and providing and/or receiving command, control, and/orother information to and/or from other components of user device 140(e.g., T/R module 470, modulator/demodulator 480, and/or GPS device490).

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control server 150 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure. Control server 150 may interfacewith phased array communication network 100 through control channel 235to provide responses and information to user devices 140 and accessnodes 130, as discussed herein. In various embodiments, control server150 includes a processor 510, a memory 520, a user interface 530, and acommunication interface 550. In some embodiments, control server mayalso include a phased array antenna 560, a transmit/receive module 570(e.g., a T/R module), and a modulator/demodulator circuit 580.

Processor 510 is similar to processor 410 of user device 140. In thisregard, processor 510 may include, for example, a microprocessor, asingle-core processor, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, alogic device (e.g., a programmable logic device configured to performprocessing operations), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, one ormore memories for storing executable instructions (e.g., software,firmware, or other instructions), and/or or any other appropriatecombination of processing device and/or memory to execute instructionsto perform any of the various operations described herein. Processor 510is adapted to interface and communicate with components 520, 530, 540,550, 560, 570, and 580 to perform method and processing steps asdescribed herein.

In various embodiments, it should be appreciated that processingoperations and/or instructions may be integrated in software and/orhardware as part of processor 510, or code (e.g., software orconfiguration data) which may be stored in memory component 520.Embodiments of processing operations and/or instructions disclosedherein may be stored by a machine readable medium 540 in anon-transitory manner (e.g., a memory, a hard drive, a compact disk, adigital video disk, or a flash memory) to be executed by a computer(e.g., logic or processor-based system) to perform various methodsdisclosed herein.

Memory 520 includes, in one embodiment, one or more memory devices(e.g., one or more memories) to store data and information. The one ormore memory devices may include various types of memory includingvolatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as RAM (Random AccessMemory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-OnlyMemory), flash memory, or other types of memory.

User interface 530 includes any general interface for a user inputand/or interface device having one or more user actuated components,such as one or more push buttons, slide bars, rotatable knobs or akeyboard, that are adapted to generate one or more user actuated inputcontrol signals. Processor 510 may be adapted to sense control inputsignals from user interface 530 and respond to any sensed control inputsignals received therefrom.

In one embodiment, communication interface 550 may be implemented as anetwork interface component (NIC) adapted for communication with anetwork including other devices in the network. In various embodiments,communication interface 550 may include one or more wired or wirelesscommunication interfaces, such as an Ethernet connection, a wirelesslocal area network (WLAN) component based on the IEEE 802.11 standards,a wireless broadband component, mobile cellular component, a wirelesssatellite component, or various other types of wireless communicationinterfaces including radio frequency (RF), microwave frequency (MWF),and/or infrared frequency (IRF) components adapted for communicationwith a network. As such, communication interface 550 may include anantenna coupled thereto for wireless communication purposes. In otherembodiments, the communication interface 550 may be adapted to interfacewith a DSL (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a PSTN (PublicSwitched Telephone Network) modem, an Ethernet device, and/or variousother types of wired and/or wireless network communication devicesadapted for communication with a network.

In another embodiment, a phased array antenna 560, a transmit/receivemodule 570, and a modulator/demodulator circuit 580 may be implementedsimilar to phased array antenna 460, transmit/receive module 470, andmodulator/demodulator circuit 480 of user device 140. In this regard,phased array antenna 560, transmit/receive module 570, andmodulator/demodulator circuit 580 provides a RF wireless interface toaccess nodes 130 for routing RF modulated control channels 235 and RFmodulated broadcast channels 237 within phased array communicationnetwork 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical access node 130in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in theembodiment of FIG. 6, a cylindrical access node 130 includes a pluralityof phased array antennas 632 coupled to an outer surface 605. It isunderstood access node 130 may be implemented as a cube or any othergeometric structure where a plurality of phased array antennas 632 maybe coupled to an outer surface.

Each phased array antenna 632 includes a plurality of antenna elements638. In some embodiments, a phased array antenna 632 includes sixty-fourantenna elements 638 arranged in an eight by eight matrix. In otherembodiments, fewer or more antenna elements 638 and antenna element 638matrix arrangements are possible. In some embodiments, each phased arrayantenna 632 dimension is approximately twenty millimeter by twentymillimeter square. However, in other embodiments, phased array antenna632 dimensions may be greater or less than twenty millimeter square. Inyet another embodiment, phased array antenna 632 may be circular with adiameter of approximately twenty millimeter. However, circular phasedarray antennas 632 with diameters greater than and/or less than twentymillimeters are possible.

In the embodiment shown, phased array antennas 632 provide three,hundred sixty degree RF antenna beam 134/136 coverage. In this regard,phased array antennas 632 provide for high capacity wireless mobilecommunications. Furthermore, phased array antenna 632 provides for highbandwidth electronic beamsteering of antenna beams 134/136 formed at oneor more phased array antennas 632, as discussed herein. Highly directivenarrow antenna beams 134/136 reduces cochannel interference and allowreuse of antenna beam 134/136 frequency in non-adjacent access nodes 130to increase phased array communication network 100 capacity.

In some embodiments, a plurality of phased array antennas 632 may becoupled to a top surface 610 of cylindrical access node 130 to transmituplink antenna beam 115A directly to satellite 110 and receive downlinkantenna beam 115B from satellite 110. In this regard, access node 130may be configured as high RF power access node 130 to provide for aflexible RF communication link for terrestrial and space borne wirelessmobile phased array communication network 100.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate various channels and data included withinantenna beams 134/136 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.Antenna beams 134/136 are formed at phased array antenna 132 of accessnode 130. Access node 130 includes a plurality of phased array antennas132 providing for a plurality of antenna beams 134/136.

Antenna beams 134/136 of FIG. 7A include a plurality of RF modulatedcommunication channels 233A-N, a plurality of RF modulated controlchannels 235A-M, and a plurality of RF modulated random access channels735 (e.g., random access channel 735 of control channel 235). Antennabeams 134/136 provide high bandwidth to provide simultaneous RFmodulated communication channels 233 transmissions at high data rate.Each RF modulated communication channel 233 is associated with real-timebi-directional communication between a corresponding source device 140and a corresponding destination device 140. Each communication channel233 includes a plurality of data packets 800, as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, each RF modulated communication channel 233 ismodulated using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)modulation to allow multiple RF modulated communication channels 233transmissions within a single antenna beam 134/136. Other modulationtechniques are possible in other embodiments, for example, wideband codedivision multiple access (WCDMA). Highly directional antenna beams134/136 allows for the same frequency band antenna beam 134/136 to bere-used in non-adjacent access nodes 130.

Random access channels 735 of control channel 235 may be provided tosource device 140 to communicate to phased array communication network100 during an initialization period when source device 140 is firstpowered on or when source device 140 is first within electrical RFsignal range of access node 130. Source device 140 may request access tophased array communication network 100 by transmitting a request tocontrol server 150 through access nodes 130 using RF modulated randomaccess channels 735 transmitted within antenna beam 134.

FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of antenna beams 134/136. Antennabeams 134/136 of FIG. 7B include a plurality of RF modulatedcommunication channels 233A-N, a plurality of RF modulated controlchannels 235A-M, and a plurality of RF modulated broadcast channels237A-P. Similar to FIG. 7A, each RF modulated communication channel 233is associated with real-time bi-directional communication between acorresponding source device 140 and a corresponding destination device140.

RF modulated control channels 235A-M provide for communication betweenaccess nodes 130, and between user devices 140 and phased arraycommunication network 100. For example, control server 150 may provide aresponse (e.g., such as response 8061 of FIG. 8B) to source device 140in response to a request to access network 100, via control channel 235transmitted within antenna beam 136 through access nodes 130 to sourcedevice 140. Transmission delay information (e.g., such as transmissiondelay 806H of FIG. 8B) may be transmitted to each access node 130 withina route path of a communication between source device 140A anddestination device 140B.

RF modulated broadcast channels 237A-P provide for communication betweencontrol server 150 and access nodes 130 of phased array communicationsnetwork 100. For example, control server may transmit availablecommunication channels 233 to each access node 130 within network 130via broadcast channel 237 transmitted within antenna beam 136.

FIG. 8A illustrates a block diagram of a data packet 800 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure. Data packet 800 is provided bysource device 140A and/or destination device 140B to communicate dataand/or voice data between devices 140A/140B. Data packet 800 istransmitted via RF modulated communication channel 233 and passedbetween corresponding source device 140A and destination device 140B byantenna beams 134/136.

Data packet 800 includes header 802 and payload data 804. Header 802includes a user identification 802A, a user location 802B, a destinationidentification 802C, a destination location 802D, an authenticationrequest 802E, an access request 802F, a handover request 802G, anallocated bandwidth 802H, an assigned communication channel 8021, a timeand bandwidth request 802J, a route information 802K, and an access nodetransmission delay 802L. In some embodiments, header 802 may bemodulated using binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation. BPSKprovides for a less complex modulation and simplifies demodulation ofheader 802 at access node 130.

Header 802 provides information associated with routing data packet 800through phased array communication network 100 to destination device140B. For example, header 802 provides source device 140A identificationand location, destination devise 140B identification and location, androute information 802K to identify a route path. In some embodiments,header 802 is demodulated at a first access node 130 to identify a routepath through a plurality of access nodes 130 and no furtherremodulation/demodulation is required throughout the remainder of theroute path. In some embodiments, a route path is reconfigured to reducea transmission delay and reconfigured route information 802K is providedto header 802.

Payload data 804 may include voice data and/or other forms of digitaland/or analog data, for example. Payload data is RF modulated andtransmitted to destination device 140B as part of data packet 800.Payload data 804 is not demodulated until data packet 800 reachesdestination device 140B. In this regard, transmitting payload data 804to destination device 140B in RF modulated format provides for high datarate mobile wireless communication.

FIG. 8B illustrates a block diagram of a control channel 235 inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Control channel 235includes a system identification 806A (e.g., phased array communicationnetwork 100), an authentication status 806B, an access requestacknowledge 806C, an assigned bandwidth 806D, an assigned channel 806E,a route information 806F, an access node identification 806G, atransmission delay information 806H, and a response 8061.

In various embodiments, control channel 235 (235A, 235B) providesbi-directional communication between control server 150, access nodes130, and user devices 140. For example, RF modulated control channel 235may transmit transmission delay information 806H, as provided by controlserver 150, to access nodes 130. In another example, RF modulatedcontrol channel 235 may transmit reconfigured route information 806F, asprovided by control server 150, to each of access nodes 130 along theroute path. In another example, RF modulated control channel 235 maytransmit the response to source device 140A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a block diagram of a broadcast channel 237 inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Broadcast channel 237includes a system identification 808A (e.g., phased array communicationnetwork 100), an available bandwidth 808B, available channels 808C,pilot tones 808D, handover information 808E, and a call notification808F.

In various embodiments, broadcast channel 237 provides bi-directionalcommunication between control server 150 and access nodes 130. Broadcastchannel 237 provides, for example, available bandwidth 808B andavailable channels 808C, as provided by control server 150, to accessnodes 130 via antenna beams 134/136. Furthermore, broadcast channel mayprovide pilot tones 808D to access nodes 130 for use in determiningsignal strength of a user device 140 in proximity of access node 130. Insome embodiments, broadcast channel 237 may provide a call notificationto a user device 140 connected to network 100.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a route path through a plurality ofaccess nodes 130 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 9A, source device 140A and destination device 140B are incommunication over network 100. In the embodiment shown, each accessnodes 130A-C includes a plurality of highly directive antenna beams134/136 radiating circumferentially from each of access nodes 130A-C.

A route path between source device 140A and destination device 140Bthrough network 100 includes access nodes 130A-C. A plurality of antennabeams 134A-D and 136A-D provided by phased array antennas 132 (notshown) include communication channel 233 (not shown) to transmit aplurality of data packets 800 between corresponding source device 140Aand corresponding destination device 140B.

In some embodiments, route information 802K is provided and access nodes130 select and transmit antenna beams 134/136 according to routeinformation 802K. For example, access node 130B receives antenna beam134B from access node 130A. Access node 130B selects phased arrayantenna 132 directed toward access node 130C to transmit antenna beam134C to access node 130C. In some embodiments, antenna beam 134C ofaccess node 130B is electronically steered to access node 130C.

In some embodiments, each access node 130A-C identifies a route toanother access node 130 based on the location of destination device 140B(e.g., destination device location 802D of header 802) and proximity ofaccess nodes 130 to destination device 140B. For example, access node130B may identify access node 130C as the closest access node todestination device 140B. In this regard, access node 130B transmitsantenna beam 134C toward access node 130C in the direction ofdestination device 140B.

In some embodiments, transmission of antenna beams 134A-D and 136A-Dfrom source device 140A to destination device 140B may be establishedfor a pre-defined duration and bandwidth. In other embodiments, theduration of transmission of antenna beams 134A-D and 136A-D from sourcedevice 140A to destination device 140B is continuous until communicationbetween devices 140A and 140B is terminated.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example of a route path through a single accessnode 130 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 9B, source device 140A and destination device 140B are incommunication through single access node 130A. Both source device 140Aand destination device 140B are in electrical RF signal range of accessnode 130A. In this regard, access node 130A provides antenna beams134N/136N to source device 140A and antenna beams 1340/1360 todestination device 140B to transmit and receive data packets 800 betweendevices. Single access node routing provides for efficient communicationbetween devices as transmissions do not require additional access nodes130 in the route path. Furthermore, beamsteering can be utilized toprovide for highly directive antenna beams 134N/136N and 1340/1360 forhigh data rate.

In some embodiments, as destination device 140B moves to a differentlocation within access node 130A, electrical RF signal strength mayweaken at the original location and access node 130A antenna beams1340/1360 may track and move with device 140B within access node 130A.In this regard, access node 130A may select a different phased arrayantenna 132 to provide antenna beams 1340/1360.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, antenna beams 134/136 can be re-used innon-adjacent locations within access nodes 130 and non-adjacentlocations between access nodes 130 to increase capacity in phased arraycommunication network 100.

FIG. 9C illustrates several plots of attenuation versus frequency forvarious types of atmospheric effects in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure. Plot 902 illustrates attenuation effects on radiatedsignals traveling through dry air over a range of approximately 1gigahertz (GHz) to approximately 350 GHz. Plot 904 illustratesattenuation effects on radiated signals traveling through water vaporover a range of approximately 3 GHz to approximately 350 GHz. Plot 906illustrates the total zenith attenuation effect on radiated signals overa range of approximately one GHz to approximately 350 GHz. In variousembodiments, such zenith attenuation information may be used to predictthe attenuation that may be exhibited by phased array antenna beams usedfor terrestrial communication and low elevation angles.

Generally, operating phased array communication network 100 at higherfrequency bands (e.g., at shorter wavelengths) provides for improvedperformance of mobile wireless communications. For example, operation athigh RF bands (e.g., in a range of 10 GHz to 110 GHz) allows fordimensionally smaller phased array antennas 632 with many high gainantenna elements 638. Greater numbers of antenna elements 638 providefor generating narrower antenna beams 134/136 resulting in increaseddirectivity of antenna beams 134/136 transmitted and received at phasedarray antenna 632. However, atmospheric effects such as dry air and/orwater vapor that cause attenuation of traveling antenna beams 134/136may be considered in choosing a preferred RF band. In this regard, bycombining and intersecting frequency, wavelength, antenna dimensionalconsiderations, and favorable atmospheric attenuation, a preferredoperating RF band may be determined.

Plots 902, 904, and 906 demonstrate generally increasing attenuationfrom approximately 3 GHz to approximately 350 GHz with peaks and nullsof attenuation. In this regard, to reduce atmospheric effects of antennabeams 134/136 traveling a longer distance, frequencies with attenuationnulls may be chosen, preferably at higher RF bands. Plots 904 and 906both exhibit an increase in attenuation from approximately 20 GHz toapproximately 30 GHz with an attenuation peak 952 of approximately fivetenths of a decibel (dB) at approximately 23 GHz. Plots 902 and 906 bothexhibit attenuation peak 954 at approximately 60 GHz, and attenuationpeak 956 at approximately 130 GHz. Plots 904 and 906 both exhibitseveral attenuation peaks 958 from approximately 180 GHz toapproximately 320 GHz.

As shown, radiated signals exhibit significantly reduced attenuationover a range from approximately 65 GHz to approximately 110 GHz. Inparticular, plot 902 exhibits significantly reduced attenuation at 94GHz (e.g., denoted by element number 959) and nearby frequencies (e.g.,such as at approximately 150 GHz denoted by element number 960).

Thus, by operating phased array communication network 100 with antennabeams 134/136 within a frequency range of approximately 65 GHz toapproximately 110 GHz (and preferably at or near 94 GHz), high bandwidthand high data rates may be achieved with improved radiated signalperformance (e.g., less attenuation due to atmospheric effects).Furthermore, dimensionally smaller phased array antennas 632 arepossible at operating frequencies of approximately 65 GHz toapproximately 110 GHz (e.g., W band) resulting in high gain, narrowantenna beams 134/136 with increased directivity. While W band mayprovide improved performance, phased array communication network 100 maybe operated at other RF bands, for example, at any one or morefrequencies in a range from 500 megahertz (MHz) to 110 GHz, preferablyin an RF band from 10 GHz to 50 GHz.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process of using a phased array communicationnetwork 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In block 1005, in some embodiments, a source device 140A may initializeat power-on and request access to phased array communication network100. In other embodiments, source device 140A may move within proximityof phased array communication network 100 and request access. An accessrequest 802F is transmitted from source device 140A via a controlchannel 235 included in an RF modulated antenna beam 134 to an accessnode 130 of phased array communication network 100. A plurality ofidentified access nodes 130 transmit RF modulated antenna beams 134along a predefined route path to a control server 150 to provide controlserver 150 with request to access 802F.

In block 1010, a control server 150 provides a response including acommunication channel 233, a bandwidth, and identifies routeinformation. Control server 150 provides the response to a controlchannel 235. Control channel 235 is RF modulated and transmitted fromaccess nodes 130 to source device 140A via an RF modulated antenna beam136.

In block 1015, source device 140A generates a data packet 800 includinga header 802 and payload data 804. Header 802 includes route information802K including a route path identifying a plurality of access nodes 130.Data packet 800 is RF modulated and transmitted from source device 140Ato access node 130 via an RF modulated antenna beam 134.

In block 1020, source device 140A receives an RF modulated data packet800 from a destination device 140B. In this regard, a second phasedarray antenna beam 136A is transmitted from access node 130. Secondphased array antenna beam 136A includes a plurality of RF modulatedcommunication channels 233. One of the plurality of RF modulatedcommunication channels 233 includes a second RF modulated data packet800 comprising a second payload data 804 provided by the destinationdevice 140B.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process of a source device 140A interfacing with aphased array communication network 100 in accordance with an embodimentof the disclosure.

In block 1105, a source device 140A generates a data packet 800. Datapacket 800 includes a header 802 and payload data 804. Header 802includes a source device 140A identification, a destination device 104Bidentification, and route information 802K. In some embodiments, payloaddata 804 may include voice data and/or other forms of digital or analogsignals.

In block 1110, data packet 800 is radio frequency (RF) modulated bysource device 140A. In some embodiments, time division multiple access(TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and/or code divisionmultiple access (CDMA) modulation may be used to modulate payload data804 portion of data packet 800. In other embodiments, payload data 804is modulated using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)modulation. Other modulation techniques are possible in otherembodiments, for example, wideband code division multiple access(WCDMA). In some embodiments, binary phase-shift keying (BPSK)modulation is used to modulate header 802.

In block 1115, RF modulated data packet 800 is transmitted to accessnode 130 by source device 140A. In some embodiments, source device 140Aincludes a phased array antenna 460. Phased array antenna forms anantenna beam 134 and transmits RF modulated data packet 800 via antennabeam 134 to access node 130.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process of a control server 150 interfacing with aphased array communication network in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

In block 1205, a control server 150 receives a request to access phasedarray communication network 100 from source device 140A. Source device104A may have powered-on and transmitted an RF signal requesting accessto access node 130 in proximity of source device 140A. The requestincludes source device 140A identification information and destinationdevice 140B identification information. Access node 130 subsequentlytransmits the request to control server 150.

In block 1210, control server 150 authenticates source 140A. Afterauthentication, control server 105 allocates a communication channel233, a bandwidth, and route information. Route information includesroute path including a plurality of access nodes.

In block 1215, control server 150 provides communication channel 233,bandwidth, and route information to a control channel 235. Controlchannel 235 is RF modulated and is transmitted to access node 130 viaantenna beam 136. Access node 130 transmits antenna beam 136 includingRF modulated control channel 235 to source device 140A.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process of a predetermined RF modulated datapacket 800 route path through a phased array communication network 100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In block 1305, access node 130 receives a plurality of RF modulated datapackets 800 via an antenna beam 134 originating from source device 140A.RF modulated data packet 800 includes RF modulated header 802 andpayload data 804.

In block 1310, access node demodulates header 802 while maintainingpayload data 804 in RF modulated format. In some embodiments, header 802of only a selected subset of RF modulated data packets 800 isdemodulated. Header 802 includes route information 802K including aroute path identifying a plurality of access nodes 130. Access node 130determines the route information 802K from the demodulated header 802.In some embodiments, header 802 is not required to be demodulated asheader 802 has not been previously updated. In this regard, RF modulatedheader 802 may be only sampled to verify route information 802K.

In block 1315, access node 130 may remodulate header 802 to provide RFmodulated data packet 800 for transmission from access node 130. In someembodiments, header 802 has been not been demodulated and remodulationis not required.

In block 1320, access node 130 transmits via an antenna beam 136, the RFmodulated data packets 800 in accordance with route information 802K. Inthis regard, access node 130 may select one of a plurality of phasedarray antennas 132 of access node 130 directed toward an identifiedaccess node 130 along the route path. Antenna beam 136 is transmittedfrom the selected phased array antenna 132.

FIG. 14 illustrates a process of a dynamic RF modulated data packet 800route through a phased array communication network 100 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure.

In block 1405, access node 130 receives a RF modulated data packet 800via an antenna beam 134 from source device 140A. RF modulated datapacket 800 includes RF modulated header 802 and payload data 804.

In block 1410, access node 130 demodulates header 802 while maintainingpayload data 804 in RF modulated format. Header 802 includes sourcedevice 140A identification information, destination device 140Bidentification information and route information 802K. In someembodiments, header 802 is not required to be demodulated as header 802has not been updated. In this regard, RF modulated header 802 may besampled to verify route information 802K.

In block 1415, access node 130 determines route information 802K fromdemodulated header 802.

In block 1420, access node 130 determines if a transmission delay existson the determined route. Transmission delay for each access node 130 maybe provided to access node 130 by an RF modulated control channel 235.

In block 1422, if it is determined there is a transmission delay, accessnode 130 may identify at least one different access node 130 to reducethe transmission delay associated with access nodes 130 identified bythe route path and reconfigure header 802 with updated route information802K. Header 802, including updated route information, may beremodulated to provide an RF modulated data packet 800.

In some embodiments, control server 150 may reconfigure routeinformation 806F by identifying at least one different access node 130to reduce the transmission delay. In this regard, the updated routeinformation 806F may be transmitted by control channel 235 to accessnodes 130 identified in the route path of reconfigured route information806F.

In block 1423, RF modulated data packet 800 is transmitted in accordancewith reconfigured route information 802K.

In block 1430, RF modulated data packet 800 is transmitted in accordancewith route information 802K of block 1410.

In view of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that routingwireless mobile communication signals using a phased array communicationnetwork in accordance with various embodiments set forth herein mayprovide for high bandwidth, high data rate, and high capacity wirelessmobile communications in high capacity demand areas. In this regard, bytransmitting RF modulated data packets through the network withoutdemodulating to baseband, reconfiguring a route path to reduce atransmission delay, and selectively routing high bandwidth narrow RFantenna beams including a plurality of RF modulated data packets,reliable and efficient wireless mobile communications may be implementedin densely populated urban areas.

Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosurecan be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardwareand software. Also where applicable, the various hardware componentsand/or software components set forth herein can be combined intocomposite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable,the various hardware components and/or software components set forthherein can be separated into sub-components comprising software,hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated thatsoftware components can be implemented as hardware components, andvice-versa.

Software in accordance with the present disclosure, such as program codeand/or data, can be stored on one or more computer readable mediums. Itis also contemplated that software identified herein can be implementedusing one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and/orcomputer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Where applicable, theordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined intocomposite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide featuresdescribed herein.

Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention.It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variationsare possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: generating, by a sourcedevice, a data packet comprising a header and payload data, wherein theheader identifies the source device and a destination device, whereinthe payload data comprises data to be transmitted from the source deviceto the destination device over a phased array communication network;modulating, by the source device, the data packet to provide a radiofrequency “RF” modulated data packet; and transmitting, by the sourcedevice, a phased array antenna beam comprising the RF modulated datapacket to an access node of the phased array communication network. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the phased array antenna beam is a firstphased array antenna beam, wherein the RF modulated data packet is afirst RF modulated data packet, wherein the payload data is firstpayload data, the method further comprising: receiving, by a secondphased array antenna beam from the access node, a second RF modulateddata packet over one of a plurality of RF modulated communicationchannels provided by the second phased array antenna beam, wherein thesecond RF modulated data packet comprises second payload data providedby the destination device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the firstand second phased array antenna beams provide bi-directional real timecommunication between the source device and the destination devicethrough the access node.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first andsecond payload data comprises voice data.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein: the phased array antenna beam comprises a request to access thephased array communication network; the phased array antenna beam is afirst phased array antenna beam; and the method further comprisesreceiving, by a second phased array antenna beam from the access node, aresponse to the request for access, wherein the response identifies acommunication channel associated with the destination device.
 6. Adevice comprising: a memory configured to store a plurality ofexecutable instructions; a processor configured to execute theinstructions to generate a data packet comprising a header and payloaddata, wherein the header identifies the device and a destination device,wherein the payload data comprises data to be transmitted from thedevice to the destination device over a phased array communicationnetwork; a modulator circuit configured to radio frequency “RF” modulatethe data packet; and an antenna configured to transmit a phased arrayantenna beam comprising the RF modulated data packet to an access nodeof the phased array communication network.
 7. The device of claim 6,wherein the phased array antenna beam is a first phased array antennabeam, wherein the RF modulated data packet is a first RF modulated datapacket, wherein the payload data is first payload data, the devicefurther comprises: a second phased array antenna beam received from theaccess node at the phased array antenna of the device, the second phasedarray antenna beam comprises a plurality of RF modulated communicationchannels, wherein a second RF modulated data packet is received over oneof the plurality of RF modulated communication channels, wherein thesecond RF modulated data packet comprises second payload data providedby the destination device.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the firstand second phased array antenna beams provide bi-directional real timecommunication between the device and the destination device through theaccess node.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the first and secondpayload data comprises voice data.
 10. The device of claim 6, wherein:the phased array antenna beam comprises a request to access the phasedarray communication network; the antenna is a first antenna; the phasedarray antenna beam is a first phased array antenna beam; and the devicefurther comprises a second antenna configured to receive a second phasedarray antenna beam from the access node, wherein the second phased arrayantenna beam comprises a response to the request for access, wherein theresponse identifies a communication channel associated with thedestination device.
 11. A method comprising: receiving, at a controlserver, a request to access a phased array communication network;allocating, by the control server, a communication channel; identifying,by the control server, route information associated with thecommunication channel; and transmitting, by the control server to anaccess node of the phased array communication network, a response to therequest, wherein the response identifies the communication channel andthe route information.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thetransmitting comprises passing, by a control channel provided by thecontrol server, the response.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: updating, by the control server, the route information byidentifying at least one different access node to reduce a transmissiondelay associated with the access nodes identified by the routeinformation; and transmitting, by the control channel, the updated routeinformation.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the route informationcomprises identifying a plurality of access nodes providing thecommunication channel between a source and a destination device.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the communication channel is associated witha source device and a destination device in communication with thephased array communication network.
 16. A control server comprising: amemory configured to store a plurality of executable instructions; and aprocessor configured to execute the instructions to: process a requestto access a phased array communication network; allocate a communicationchannel; identify route information associated with the communicationchannel; and transmit to an access node of the phased arraycommunication network, a response to the request, wherein the responseidentifies the communication channel and the route information.
 17. Thecontrol server of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured toexecute the instructions to provide a control channel and transmit theresponse by the control channel.
 18. The control server of claim 17,wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to:identify at least one different access node to reduce a transmissiondelay associated with the access nodes identified by the routeinformation; update the route information based on the identified atleast one different access node; and transmit, by the control channel,the updated route information.
 19. The control server of claim 18,wherein the route information comprises a plurality of access nodes froma source device to a destination device.
 20. The control server of claim16, wherein the communication channel is associated with a source deviceand a destination device in communication with the phased arraycommunication network.